UFC 294
Review
Short process
Islam Makhachev really hits the spot!
After challenger Charles Oliveira's injury-related withdrawal, every UFC fan knew that Makhachev would remain champion if everything went according to plan. The Russian is simply too strong to defeat with only 10 days of preparation time. But the confirmation of featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski suddenly sparked discussion about whether there might be something to be gained. Fans, especially those who wanted a new lightweight titleholder, were counting on the Australian's stamina and incredible fighting spirit.
And so the fight began. Makhachev was clearly the favorite, but there was still a certain amount of potential for surprise that Volkanovski could become only the fifth double champion in UFC history.
Makhachev came forward right in the first round. He clearly had a great physique and, according to his trainer, weighed almost four kilograms more than in his last lightweight fight. After a takedown attempt by Makhachev at the beginning of the round, the fight initially took place in a sprawl in the corner of the octagon. When Volkanovski was able to escape from the clinch, the fight went back to the standing position. There Makhachev shone again, landing the Australian a powerful left hook and taking the center of the ring. Almost exactly two minutes before the end of the first round, Islam launched a left high kick that landed Volkanovski on the temple over the guard. Referee Marc Godard gave the challenger a long way to come back, but the game was long over. And still! Volkanovski was knocked out, and Makhachev was able to demonstrate his excellent striking again, making it 2-0 in the direct duel with the Australian.
Spannendes CO-Main Event!
Usman and Chimaev put on a show for the fans
Concentrated star power awaited the fans in the co-main. Despite previous welterweight appearances, both fighters looked extremely fit as they entered the octagon! The excitement was palpable.
Round 1 began with a bang. Khamzat Chimaev immediately went for a takedown and, after a brief tussle, was able to pull it off. What followed was pure dominance. Never before had anyone made the former welterweight GOAT Usman look so old on the ground. Only with all his routine was the Nigerian able to escape various choke attempts and dangerous ground-and-pound situations. At the end of the round, Chimaev landed 61 punches to Usman's only 5. The Nigerian Nightmare's team had to process this one-sidedness during the break.
However, as is well known, every UFC round begins standing up. Usman was clearly behind after Round 1 and could no longer afford to be in bad wrestling positions. So, from the beginning of Round 2, he began throwing a few punch combinations, but these only sporadically hit their target. Chimaev, however, also had fewer answers, but was able to score a takedown at the end of the round.
Things got a bit wilder in round 3. Usman was able to fend off many takedown attempts, and the fighters engaged in a long stand-up exchange. At the end of the round, Chimaev brought Usman down again, but he managed to escape with 30 seconds left. This was followed by a flurry of fist-swinging, delighting the fans in Abu Dhabi. Just as the fight was developing into an extremely exciting affair, the fact that it only lasted three rounds was particularly painful.
After being sorely beaten in round 1, Usman ultimately failed to show enough in the following rounds, and Chimaev won by majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28). After the fight, Khamzat suspected he had broken his hand in round 1, but this has not yet been confirmed.
In the end, it was a deserved victory for Khamzat Chimaev based on Round 1. Despite his improved performance in Rounds 2 and 3, Usman couldn't inflict enough damage to turn the tide.
Dagestani Power
The local heroes delivered
The rest of the main card didn't disappoint. Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev faced a controversial doctor stoppage after an illegal knee, resulting in a no contest. Otherwise, the Russians were able to make their mark. Both Ikram Aliskerov and Said Nurmagomedov earned the Performance of the Night bonus with first-round finishes.
All in all, it was a successful event at the Etihad Arena, especially for the home fans, who, with few exceptions, were able to witness some very successful performances from their local heroes. As a bonus, there was a contract extension between the UFC and Abu Dhabi. A UFC PPV event will be held there annually until 2028.
What happens next?
Future in lightweight and middleweight
Nach dem dominanten Sieg von Islam wurde er im Post Fight Interview von Daniel Cormier über seine Zukunft befragt. Er antwortete, dass man ihm einfach einen Gegner geben sollte, das sei der Job der UFC. Am Wahrscheinlichsten ist ein Rematch gegen Charles Oliveira. Das hätte ja schließlich ursprünglich letzten Samstag stattfinden sollen, wäre da nicht dieser Cut... Ob sich Oliveira davor noch einmal gegen BMF-Titelträger Justin Gaethje messen muss, wird sich zeigen. Wir gehen jedoch von einem direkten Duell Oliveira Makhachev aus!
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Im Mittelgewicht ist das ganze etwas komplizierter. Ursprünglich hatte es geheißen, das der Sieger dieses Duells einen Title-Shot im Mittelgewicht bekommt. Am wahrscheinlichsten wird das auch passieren. Jedoch wurden Stimmen laut, die meinten, dass sich Chimaev nochmal gegen einen "echten" 185 Pound-Fighter messen muss, um einen Title-Shot zu verdienen. Matchups mit Whittaker oder Costa stehen im Raum. Am Ende wird Dana White entscheiden, ob ihm die Performance gut genug war, um Khamzat gegen Champion Sean Strickland in den Ring zu schicken.